In New Caledonia, the horse is king. There is one for every 20 inhabitants. From north to south, wild or domesticated, for competition or riding, horses are part of the archipelago's landscape. A few hours' ride between the mountain chain and the waterfront is one of the best ways to discover the true nature of the Caledonian bush.

Local heritage and history

New Caledonia is a former colony. Colonial settlers, but also convicts forged the identity of the architectural heritage, next to the Kanak heritage. Colonial houses, temples and churches, but also the remains of the prisons give the archipelago its character.

Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia is on the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there.

From Ouvéa to the Isle of Pines, passing through Lifou, Tiga and Maré, the five islands bordering the Mainland, Grande Terre to the East are yet more gems to discover. From the blue hole of Hanawa at Ouvéa to the Warrior’s Leap at Wakone on Maré, via the Jokin Cliffs at Lifou or the Oro Bay on the Isle of Pines, let yourself be amazed!

The West Coast of the mainland (Grande Terre) shows off a great variety of scenery from its northern tip down to the area surrounding Nouméa. Characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, the West Coast is also host to a rich cultural heritage.

The central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) is a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts. Exposed to strong winds and therefore more humid, the eastern coast offers scenery with sumptuous flora. With a population of largely Melanesian origin, the East Coast has also retained a particularly charming flavour of authenticity.

The Great South, comprising the Mont-Dore and Yaté municipalities, is the most symbolic region for New Caledonia’s three main colours: blue, green and red. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. But if one colour dominates the Great South, it is the specific red of its ground.

JATA Tourism EXPO Japan : a major showcase for New Caledonia

JATA Tourism EXPO Japan, one of the largest international tourism shows, is back in Tokyo for its 3rd year from 22 to 25 September. It’s a major industry event, where New Caledonia Tourism meets with both professionals and the general public.

One of tourism’s most prestigious international shows, the JATA Tourism EXPO Japan (Japan Association of Travel Agents) is being held from 22 to 25 September in Tokyo. The event has continued to grow since it first began in 2014. 1,161 tourism professionals flocked to the event in 2015 (compared to 1,129 in 2014), with more than 140 countries being represented and 173,602 visitors (compared to 157,589 in 2015).

Organised in 2 stages, the first two days of the show is dedicated to industry professionals and the last two days to the general public. Alongside Air Calin, New Caledonia Tourism (NCT) experienced 4 intense days of discussions and promotions. Right from the first day, NCT had non-stop meetings with Japanese Tour Operators in order to show them the destination’s attractions and selling points (H.I.S Co Ltd, Yomiuri Travel Service, Kinki Nippon Tourist Co Ltd, Jalpak Co Ltd, Nippon Travel Agency Co Ltd, Trident Tours Co Ltd, World Air-Sea Service Co Ltd, World Air-Sea Service Co Ltd, Tobu Top Tours Co Ltd.).

Following this, a “New Caledonia” seminar was held in the presence of around thirty industry professionals (tour operators and travel agents) to increase awareness of the destination and show them the new products. Meanwhile, on the stand, New Caledonia was presented to the media, professionals and the public through its very first Virtual Reality app, available on Apple and Android (videos featuring 360° views of the destination), a great hit during the 4 days. Local produce was also in the spotlight – in partnership with Avex – through a “Discovery” tasting table dressed for the occasion by Lyne Creations: Manta beer, Biscochoc and Tonton Jules chocolates, exhibition of niaouli soaps and more.

Once again, this not-to-be-missed event on the tourism calendar has raised the profile of the destination even more, both verbally and visually!